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45.
CONFIDENTIAL
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機密
At some stages of the operation the Policy Group considered moving operational control from the C.C.C. to a location which would provide communications direct to Government vessels on scene, for example the Port Control Centre or the Operations Room at HMS Tamar. It was decided not to make such a move on the grounds that working from the C.C.C. did not interfere with other routine tasks, as would have been the case at Port Control, and did not impinge too closely on individual operational commanders, as would have been the case at HMS Tamar. The option of conducting the operation from Colony Polmil was also considered but was rejected because the Policy Group felt that it should work close to the legal, political, financial and administrative machinery which was available only in the Government Secretariat. The lack of commun- ications between the C.C.C. and vessels in the vicinity of the "Huey Fong" was overcome when necessary by key members of the Policy Group moving to HMS Tamar from where they could keep in touch with the scene of operations. After the ship had entered Hong Kong waters direct communications were established between the C.C.C. and the on-scene Police Commander via "Harbourphone".
46.
The plan for Opcration Oliver" gave responsibility for co-ordinating the establishment of a camp ashore to the Civil Aid Services. When it was decided that the refugees were to be under detention in this camp, the Secretary for Security decided to appoint a senior Prisons Department officer to take command of it, supported by a number of Prison officers. Civil Aid Services provided staff for general duties at the camp and Police were deployed to maintain external security. The camp commandant reported direct to the C.C.C. in addition to his normal departmental responsibilities.
47.
After the closure of the C.C.C. on 23rd January the residual co-ordinating functions devolved upon Security Branch of the Government Secretariat.
INFORMATION POLICY AND PUBLICITY
48.
The plan for Operation "Oliver" laid down that Government Information Services (G.I.S.) would be respons- ible for handling all the information aspects and that a senior Information Services Officer would maintain close liaison with the Secretary for Security in order to ensure a flow of information to the media. Throughout the operation the Director of Information Services was a member of the Policy Group, a Chief Information Officer was a member of the Operations Group and an Information Officer remained on duty in the C.C.C. Press interest in the operation was intense throughout the period from 23rd December, when the first statement was released, until disembarkation was completed on 23rd January.
49.
Information policy was designed to ensure public and media support for the Government's position both locally and internationally, and to back up the attempts to make the ship continue its voyage to Taiwan.
機密
CONFIDENTIAL ##
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